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Principal Process Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

MultiSource Mfg

Process Engineer

Fridley, MN · On-site

The Process Engineer's function is to support Operations at the Corporate level with a focus on ... Engineering principals, tools, and concepts. Project management principles (i.e., Work Breakdown ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation

$111K - $167K/yr

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Sr. Principal Manufacturing Engineer to join our team in Rocket ... This role designs and plans layout for such processes as hardening, washing, laminating, etching ...

skywater

Yield Principal Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

SkyWater is hiring a highly skilled and experienced Semiconductor Yield Principal Engineer to lead ... Design and execute experiments to characterize new processes and technologies, identifying ...

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All JobsPrincipal Process Engineer JobsPrincipal Process Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Principal Process Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$85.2K

$147K

$178.7K

How much do principal process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal process engineer in Minnesota is $146,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $166,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal process engineer?

A Principal Process Engineer is a senior-level engineering professional responsible for designing, optimizing, and overseeing industrial processes within a company. They lead complex projects, provide technical guidance to engineering teams, and ensure that processes meet safety, quality, and efficiency standards. Principal Process Engineers often collaborate with other departments to implement process improvements and solve technical challenges. Their expertise is crucial in industries such as chemical, manufacturing, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals.

What is a principal process engineer?

A principal process engineer works with a team to analyze the efficiency of company processes and identify potential improvements. In this career, you usually work in a large production or manufacturing facility. You must have excellent technical, organizational, and analytical skills. Your job duties include helping management in the development of schedules, budgets, or guidelines for your department, overseeing other engineers, collaborating to support process solutions, and creating simulations, diagrams, and project plans. You also use engineering computer software to design process plans and review data to calculate constant improvements. Qualifications for a career as a principal process engineer include a bachelor's degree in engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal process engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Process Engineer, you need deep expertise in chemical or process engineering, advanced problem-solving skills, and typically a relevant engineering degree with substantial industry experience. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or CHEMCAD), Six Sigma or Lean certifications, and knowledge of regulatory standards are important technical assets. Leadership, effective communication, and project management skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure efficient process design, regulatory compliance, and successful cross-functional collaboration on complex engineering projects.

How does a principal process engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

A Principal Process Engineer often acts as a key liaison between engineering, operations, project management, and quality assurance teams. They lead process design reviews, facilitate technical discussions, and ensure that project deliverables align with organizational goals and regulatory standards. Effective communication and coordination are essential, as they guide multidisciplinary teams through troubleshooting, optimization, and implementation phases. This collaborative role ensures that process improvements are feasible, cost-effective, and sustainable across the project lifecycle.

What is the difference between Principal Process Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Process EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; extensive experienceBachelor's degree in Engineering; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLead projects, oversee process design, and mentor teams in manufacturing or chemical plantsAssist in process design, troubleshooting, and optimization under supervision
Industry UsageCommon in large manufacturing, chemical, and oil & gas companiesFound across various industries including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and energy

The Principal Process Engineer typically holds advanced credentials and leads complex projects, focusing on strategic process improvements. In contrast, the Process Engineer is more involved in supporting and executing process tasks. Both roles are essential in process industries, but the Principal Process Engineer operates at a higher level of responsibility and expertise.

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Principal Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Process Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,992 per year, or $70.7 per hour.

Data Center - Principal Process Engineer

H2O Innovation Inc.

Anoka, MN • On-site

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

H2O Innovation rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

271st of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

 

H2O is a smart water treatment solutions company. We simplify water treatment by integrating state-of-the-art technologies to solve water challenges for good with our team of trusted experts. Our mission is to provide services on an international scale, in a people-oriented, caring environment that fosters professional and personal growth. Be part of our talent pool and grow with H2O.

H2O innovation is looking for Data Center - Principal Process Engineer  anywhere in North America! This professionnal will be in charge of the process design throughout the entire lifecycle of projects, from the initial budgetary bids all the way to commissioning of full-scale facilities. Technologies for these projects include multimedia filters, activated carbon, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, Ion Exchange, Ultraviolet and electrodeionization. While knowledge in all technologies is not required, familiarity with several technologies is an asset for the position.
 
The Benefits

Overall remuneration including:

  • Profit sharing program;
  • Group Insurance plan including dental, vision & telemedicine;
  • 401k plan with employer's contribution;
  • A minimum of three (3) weeks of paid vacation per year;
  • Twelve (12) paid wellness days per year.
  • Flexible working hours & hybrid working;

The Day-to-Day

  • Perform preliminary design of water treatment plants based on membrane projections and other accepted calculations in accordance with established criteria;
  • Collaborate closely with sales managers and engineering discipline teams; 
  • Prepare budget, preliminary and final (bid) cost estimates including bill of materials, equipment, and controls;
  • Prepare formal proposals for submittal to potential clients;
  • Develop drawings of equipment and plant playouts as requested and oversee designers;
  • Create process drawings such as P&IDs and PFDs;
  • Select equipment (pumps, valves, membranes, etc.);
  • Develop and present technical presentations/papers on in-house projects to promote Company and water technologies at conferences and clients meetings;
  • Continuous investigation into improving design of current equipment and treatment processes, and development or acquisition of new equipment or processes to complement existing portfolio;  
  • Prepare engineering documents such as functional descriptions, process control narratives, etc.; 
  • Maintain an excellent working knowledge of state, provincial and federal regulations, as well as current design processes; 
  • Maintain contact with current installations to obtain performance, operation and maintenance data and provide operational assistance as requested;
  • Maintain records of actual costs and provide comparison and analysis of discrepancies between estimated and actual costs;
  • Advance the development of standard treatment packages for UF and NF/RO systems; 
  • Travel to project sites and perform treatment process audits; 
  • Other duties as assigned. 

The Skills We Are Looking for

  • A degree in chemical, environmental, civil or mechanical engineering or equivalent;
  • Minimum 7 years experience as a process engineer in the water industry;
  • Experience with membrane filtration treatment
  • The ability to work efficiently on multiple assignments simultaneously;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English;
  • Experience with Ion Exchange (IE), an asset;
  • Knowledge of drinking and wastewater treatment, an asset.

What H2O Innovation employees say

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